Sustainable Cleaning Routine — How I Keep My Home Clean Without Harsh Chemicals
I used to think a “clean home” meant a cabinet full of strong-smelling cleaning products. Now my cleaning shelf is smaller, simpler and honestly much safer — and my home feels fresher than before.
In this article I’m sharing my real sustainable cleaning routine — what I do daily, weekly and occasionally to keep my space clean without harsh chemicals or unnecessary plastic.
If you want the detailed recipes behind these cleaners, you can check this guide too:
👉 DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes I Use at Home
1. My daily 10-minute cleaning habits
Instead of one big “cleaning day”, I like doing small things every day:
- wiping kitchen counters after cooking
- quickly sweeping or vacuuming high-traffic areas
- putting things back where they belong
- opening windows for fresh air
These tiny habits are easier to maintain and keep the home naturally cleaner.
2. Swapping single-use wipes for reusable cloths
Disposable wet wipes and paper towels used to fill my dustbin. Now I mostly use:
- old t-shirts cut into cleaning rags
- microfiber cloths for dusting
- dedicated cloths for bathroom and kitchen
I just wash and reuse them. It’s cheaper and reduces so much waste.
This aligns with my overall approach to reducing plastic at home:
👉 How I Reduce Plastic in My Daily Life
3. Using simple natural cleaners for most surfaces
I personally like keeping cleaning products simple:
- Vinegar spray for glass, tiles and counters
- Baking soda for tough stains and sinks
- Mild natural liquid soap for general cleaning
These three things handle almost everything in my home. They are gentle on surfaces, on my skin and on the environment.
4. Bathroom & kitchen cleaning in a sustainable way
Bathrooms and kitchens are the toughest areas, but they don’t need heavy chemicals daily.
In the bathroom, I:
- use a natural cleaner for tiles and sink a few times a week
- keep a wiper to remove excess water after a shower
- let sunlight in whenever possible
In the kitchen, I:
- wipe spills immediately
- do a quick stove wipe at night
- run a weekly deeper clean for shelves and fridge
A lot of this routine came from experimenting and simplifying what I shared in detail here:
👉 Eco-Friendly Home Products I Personally Use
5. Cleaning in a way that also saves energy
Sustainable cleaning for me also means saving electricity and water. I try to:
- use a bucket and cloth instead of running water directly
- clean during the day to use natural light
- run washing machines on eco modes and full loads
These small changes fit well with the energy habits I already follow in my home:
👉 Energy-Saving Hacks for Home
6. How sustainable cleaning fits into my lifestyle
My cleaning routine is now:
- simpler — fewer products, fewer decisions
- cheaper — I buy less and use more homemade cleaners
- healthier — fewer synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals
And it’s just one part of the bigger changes I’ve been making over the last few years:
👉 Ultimate Sustainable Living Guide
About the Author
